A Prayer about Fear and Trusting God
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
(Ps. 56:3–4 NIV)
Heavenly Father, as the reach of the internet keeps getting bigger, my world keeps getting smaller. More so than ever, I’m aware of my brothers and sisters all around the world who are clinging to you and to this Scripture today. Be praised, O trust worthy Father, even as we bring our family before you.
I pray for the Christian community in Pakistan. The recent flood has been inconceivably devastating for the whole nation, and yet even more so for the 2 or 3 per- cent of the population who are followers of Jesus. They’re already persecuted, and now they’re being neglected in this time of crisis. For the glory of Jesus, I pray for enough clean water and food to meet their needs and enough to share with their Muslim neighbors. May the gospel advance in Pakistan by way of this horrible crisis, through your faithfulness and the servant love of your people.
I also pray for our brothers and sisters in North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, Maldives, Bhutan, Yemen, Vietnam, Laos, and China— the ten places in the world where Christians are most likely to be singled out for persecution. Father, may your perfect love drive out their fears and strengthen their trust in you.
What can mortals do to us? Plenty, Father, but in view of who you are and what really matters, very little. Grant us all the same grace and courage you gave Justin Martyr. When facing those who would take his life, he responded, “You may kill us, but you cannot harm us.” What but the gospel can create such a people?
Lastly, gracious Father, for friends on our streets and in our churches facing hard medical reports, dwindling financial resources and other hard providences, bring the gospel to bear in tangible and faith-producing ways. And use us, Father, as answers to the very prayers we pray. We pray in Jesus’ most glorious name.
Amen.